Pumpkin Spicy Curry

Pumpkin spicy curry is a side dish and easy to prepare. You can have this side dish with almost all the main dishes.

I have used pumpkin, coconut and home prepared spice powder.
Let us see some benefits of eating pumpkin in our diet.
Pumpkin is filled with vitamins and minerals. It has potassium and anti oxidant properties. It has Vitamin A  Vitamin C and Vitamin E. Pumpkin is very low in calorie and it keeps you full for a longer time. It is good for weight loss. It is full of fiber. It ia good for our eye health. Eating pumpkin is good for our immunity health. It helps in fighting against bacterial infections and fungal infections. Beta carotene in pumpkin helps to protect our skin. It also helps in reducing the glucose level and increasing the amount of insulin in our body. It is good for diabetes.

No onion or No garlic is used in this Pumpkin Spicy Curry. 

I have not used any dal in this curry. Udupi style Pumpkin Spicy Curry. It is easy, simple and quick. 

Things Needed :

To Cook :
Pumpkin Pieces : 1 Big bowl

To Add :
Salt : As required
Turmeric powder : A pinch
Tamarind pulp : 1 Teaspoon
Methi/Fenugrik seeds : 1/4 Teaspoon

To Grind :
Sambar Powder/Rasam powder : 2 Teaspoons
Coconut : 3 to 4 Tablespoons

To Season :
Coconut oil : 1Tablespoon
Mustard seeds : 1/2 Teaspoon
Jeera : 1/2 Teaspoon
Ingh/Asafoetida : A pinch
Curry Leaves : 6 to 8
Green chilly :1

Method :

1. Wash and remove the outer layer (Peel off the skin) and cut into small pieces. Wash the pieces and keep it aside.

2. Grate coconut and grind it with sambar/rasam powder using little water.

3. Keep a pan on the fire and heat. Add coconut oil, mustard seeds, jeera and let it fry.
4. Let mustard seeds splutter. Add ingh, green chilly and curry leaves.
5. Add pumpkin pieces and stir once. Add 1/2 cup of water, a pinch of turmeric and cook on medium flame till they turn slightly soft.

6. Soak tamarind in hot water for 5 minutes and squeeze out the pulp. Add it to cooked pumpkin pieces. Add methi seeds. (Raw methi seeds).
7. Add required salt and mix it well. Add ground coconut mixture and mix it slowly. Add 1/2 cup of water if required. Let Pumpkin Spicy Curry boil for 2 to 3 minutes.

8. Shift the curry to a serving bowl and serve with hot rice.

Note :

Do not over cook the pumpkin pieces. It cooks faster and turns as paste. Use of any sambar/rasam powder is optional. I have used home prepared sambar powder. It taste better. Use of any dal is optional. Do not add much tamarind. It should be mild. Adding methi/Fenugrik seeds helps to lower the cholesterol level in the curry. It helps to digest the food easily. Do not add more water to the curry. It should be bit thick. (Taste better).
Time : 20 Minutes.
Serves : 3 to 4 
Style : South Canara /Udupi/Karntaka/India.

Home made Sambar Powder :

Dry roast 1/4 Teaspoon of methi seeds, 1/2 teaspoon of channa seeds/Kadale bele, 2 tablespoons of coriander seeds and 1/2 Teaspoon of jeera/cumin seeds with 5 to 6 byadagi chilly.
Dry grind it once it is cools.

( 1 time use).

Basale-Dil leaves &Tomato Curry

Basale/Malabar leaves, Dil/Sabbassige soppy and tomato curry is a side dish and it goes well with almost all the main dishes. It is an easy dish and I have not used any dal here. Try and enjoy this easy, quick and simple curry.

I have used dil leaves, malabar leaves/basale as it known as in Kannada, green tomatoes and MTR Rasam powder.
MTR rasam/sambar powder really has the touch of Udipi taste and I do use it some time. We do prepare rasam powder or sambar powder fresh and use it for that particular curry/rasam. The aroma you get from fresh rasam powder is excellent and the sambar/rasam taste yummy.
Let us see how to prepare Rasam Powder :
All you need it Byadagi chilly (In Udupi and Malanadu normally will use only Byadagi chilly).
Coriander seeds 2 to 3 three tablespoons, 1/4 Teaspoon of methi/fenugrik seeds, 1/2 teaspoon of jeera/cumin seeds. Little curry leaves and ingh/asafoetida. If sambar powder use 1 teaspoon of channa dal or urid dal.
Take a pan, add a teaspoon of coconut oil. Fry byadagi chilly ( 5 to 6 ) and remove it from pan. Add methi seeds let it turn slightly brown, add coriander seeds and fry for 1 to 2 minutes. Add jeera and put off the fire. Add curry leaves and ing/asafoetida. Let it cool and then dry grind or grind it with coconut.
The above quantity is enough for 1 bowl curry/Sambar/Saru/rasam. ( 2 to 3 people).
Let us see the recipe Now:
No Onion OR Garlic is used in this curry.
No Dals are used in this curry.
Ingredients :
To Cook :
Basale/Malabar leaves : 1 bowl. (mainly leaves)
Dil leaves /Sabbassige soppu : 1 Small bowl
Green tomatoes : 5 to 6 (Small size)
To Grind :
MTR rasam powder : 2 to 3 teaspoons
Coconut : 4 to 5 tablespoons
Tamarind : 1 small marble size
To Add :
Mustard Curry leaves seasoning : 1 Teaspoon
Coconut Oil : 1 Teaspoon
Mustard seeds : 1/2 Teaspoon
Ingh/Asafoetida : A little
Curry Leaves : 5 to 6
Coriander leaves : 1 Tablespoon
Salt : To taste.

Method :

1. Wash and cut dil leaves, malabar leaves and tomatoes into small.
2. Cook with little water or pressure cook for 2 to 3 minutes.

3. Grate coconut and grind it with tamarind and rasam powder.

4. Keep a pan on the fire and put cooked leaves and tomatoes.
5. Add salt and turmeric powder. Mix it well and let it boil for 3 to 4 minutes.
6. Add ground coconut rasam powder mixture. Mix it nicely and let it boil for 3 to 4 minutes.

7. Shift the ready "Basale- Dil Leaves & Tomato curry to a serving dish.

8. Add seasoning done in coconut oil and serve.

Note :
You can use any brand of rasam powder of your choice. Taste differ. Use of coconut oil is optional.
Use little water to grind. Then add required water. If you want the curry to be more liquidy add little more water and little more rasam powder.
Time : 30 Minutes
Serves : 3 to 4.

Seeme Badane - Sweet Potato Jeera Curry

Seeme badane kai /Chayote Squash is one of the healthy vegetable. It grows in plenty during winter and is healthy too. I have tried Sweet potato and Seeme Badane Kai jeera curry and the combination of the vegetable suits so well. The curry came out so well and I would like you also try and enjoy this yummy side dish.

Starting of November as the rains stops slowly these Seeme badanekai plants starts to give out the vegetables. It is a climber plant and the vegetables are curvy shaped vegetables which are rich in minerals and vitamins.

Let us see the benefits of eating " Chayote Squash " in our diet.

Chayote squash/Seeme badanekai has no saturated fat or cholesterol. It is a rich source of dietary fiber. The vegetable has good amount of minerals vitamins and good for weight loss. They do contain B complex Vitamins, folates, potassium and Vitamin C. Chayote Squash helps in dissolving kidney stones and regulating high blood pressure. They are good for people suffering from constipation.
No Onion OR No Garlic is added in this " Seeme Badane - Sweet Potato Jeera Curry".
I have used Chayote Squash/Seeme Badanekai (Kannada language), Sweet potatoes, jeera, green chilly and coconut. This curry goes well with almost all the main dishes.
Let us see the recipe now :

Things Needed :

To Cook :
Chayote Squash/Seeme badanekai : 2
Sweet Potatoes :  1 (Medium sized)
Moong or Toor Dal : 1/4 Cup
Methi seeds/Fenugrik Seeds : 1/4 Teaspoon
To Grind :
Coconut : 3 to 4 Tablespoons
Jeera/Cumin Seeds : 1/2 Teaspoon
Ginger : A small piece
Green chilly : 2 to 3
To Add : 
Salt : As required
Ingh /Asafoetida : A little
Turmeric powder : A pinch
To Season : 
Coconut Oil : 1 Teaspoon
Mustard Seeds : 1/2 Teaspoon
Jeera/Cumin Seeds : 1/2 Teaspoon
Curry Leaves : 6 to 8 leaves

Method :

1. Wash and pressure cook moong dal and methi seeds with required water ( I have used moong dal) and keep it aside.
2. Wash and remove the outer layers of sweet potatoes and chayote squash nicely.

3. Cut them into small pieces and cook with required water.

4. Grate coconut and grind it with jeera, cut ginger and green chilly with required water till paste.
5. Now keep a pan and put cooked dal, cooked veggies. Add turmeric powder and salt.

6. Let it boil for 2 to 3 minutes. Add ground coconut jeera mixture and mix it well.

7. Let it boil for 2 to 3 minutes. Mix in between so that it does not get burnt.
8. Shift curry to a serving bowl. Add mustard, jeera and curry leaves seasonings.
9. Serve with hot rice or any choice of your main dish.

Note :

It is better to cook veggies separately. Keep the veggies in a big pan and put some water and then cook till they turn soft. Use of any cooking oil is optional. Use of more/less chilly is optional.
Use of garlic or onions are optional. You can add carrots, beans to this curry. I have not used any curd or tamaraind since the curry is very mild.
Time : 30 Minutes
Serves : 2 to 3 
Type : South Indian/South Canara /Udupi.

Mixed Leaves Spicy Dal

Mixed Leaves spicy Dal is one of the side dish that goes well with almost all the main dishes. It is prepared using 2 to 3 or more types of leaves and dals, like toor/moong/masoor/chana etc. 

I have used the leaves which we got from our home garden (grown in pots) and toor dal. I have added green tamarind chutney/tokku which I got from Dharwad. ( Our daughter in law Vidya's Home town).

Tamarind chutney/tokku is home prepared, using unripe tamarind, green chilly, roasted methi seeds and salt. Tokku taste so yummy and it goes well with hot rice and ghee, or adding to any dal preparation even I have tried Tamarind Tokku vegetable rice.    

Let us see some benefits of eating  tamarind in our diet.

Tamarind helps to reduce inflammation in our body. It helps to improve eye health, boost respiratory health and helps to heal skin conditions. It is good for digestive system. It relieve pains and strengthen our immune system. It helps to lower the cholesterol and good for kids since it fight against the worms in kids stomach. Tamarind is rich source of dietary fiber. It helps in easing constipation problems. It is rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin B, Calcium, Iron, Phosphorous, Potassium, Manganese. It is rich in antioxidants and anti inflammatory properties.

As I said I have used our home grown Palk, Dil Leaves and very little basale /Malabar Leaves.

No Onion OR No Garlic is used in this " Mixed Leaves Spicy Dal".

Let us see the recipe Now : 

Ingredients : 

To Cook :

Dil Leaves : 1 Small Bundle

Palak : 1 Small Bundle

Malabar Leaves/Basale Leaves : One Handful 

Toor Dal : 1/Cup 

To Add :

Dry ginger powder : 1/2 Teaspoon

Tamarind Chutney /Tokku : 1 Teaspoon

Crushed pepper pods : 4 to 5 

Salt : As Required 

Coriander leaves : 2 Tablespoons

Butter/Ghee : 1 Teaspoon (Optional).

To Season : 

Cooking Oil : 1 Teaspoon

Mustard Seeds : 1 Teaspoon

Jeera : 1/2 Teaspoon

Green chilly : 2 to 3 

Curry Leaves : 6 to 8 or little more

Ingh/Asafoetida : A little 

Method : 

1. Clean and Wash all the leaves nicely and cut into small pieces.

2. Pressure cook it for 6 to 8 minutes.

3. Wash dal and pressure cook separately.

4. Wash and slit green chilly and cut coriander leaves.

5. Keep a big pan and put cooked leaves and dal together.

6. Add turmeric powder and salt.

7. Add dry ginger powder and pepper pods.

8. Add tamarind chutney/tokku. Stir slowly and mix it well. Let it boil for 2 to 3 minutes.

9. Keep a pan and prepared mustard, jeera seasoning. Add slit green chilly and fry it nicely.

10. Add ingh and curry leaves to seasoning and add this seasoning to Mixed Leaves Spicy Dal.

11. Boil it for another 3 to 4 minutes. Shift it to the serving bowl.

12. Serve with your choice of main dish.

Note :

Cooking leaves in pressure cooker helps them to be soft. It can be cooked without using pressure cooker. (Optional). Use of onions and garlic is optional. ( I have not used). You can use tamarind pulp instead of tamarind chutney/tokku. Taste differs. Adding a teaspoon of butter/ghee to Mixed Spicy Dal taste better. (Optional). Use of more/less chilly is optional. 

Time : 30 Minutes.

Serves : 3 to 4.

Mangalore Cucumber Spicy Curry

Mangalore Cucumber/Managalooru Soutekai/bannada southekai is one of the nutritious vegetable   available around the year. I have tried Mangalore Cucumber Spicy Curry here and it is yummy and quick.

I have used Mangalore Cucumber, toor dal and spice powder prepared at home. (ಹುಳಿ ಪುಡಿ/curry powder). I have used little cinnamon in curry powder. So let us see some benefits of using cinnamon here.
Use of cinnamon in our daily diet.
Cinnamon is one of the spice used in many Indian kitchens. We get cinnamon from the inner bark of Cinnamomum Trees. Cinnamon has a sweet aroma and it is delicious and contain medicinal properties. It helps to lower the blood suger levels, reduce heart disease risk factors. Cinnamon is rich source of antioxidants and anti inflammatory properties. Cinnamon helps to fight against fungal infections because they do contain anti fungal and anti bacterial properties.
Caution : Always make sure you use very little quantity of cinnamon at times.
No Onion or No garlic Recipe.
Happy to say these are our home grown Mangalore Cucumber/Mangalore Southekai.

Let us see the recipe Now :

Things Needed :

To Cook :
Mangalore Cucumber Pieces :  1 Big bowl. (Cut into very small pieces).
Toor Dal : 1/4 Cup
To Add :
Home Prepared Spice Powder : 2 Tablespoons
Tamarind Pulp : 1Tablespoon (A small marble size).
Jaggery : 1 Teaspoon
Methi seeds : 1/4 Teaspoon
Salt : As Required
Coriander leaves : 2 to 3 Tablespoons.
For seasoning :
Mustard seeds : 1/2 Teaspoon
Jeera : 1/2 Teaspoon
Coconut Oil : 1 Tablespoon
Ingh /Asafoetida : A pinch
Curry Leaves : 6 to 8

Method : 

1. Wash and cut Mangalore southekai into very small pieces. Soak the cut pieces in a bowl of water.
( Remove the outer layer of cucumber and then cut into small pieces). Wash and cut coriander leaves into small pieces.

2. Wash and cook toor dal and keep it aside. Soak tamarind in hot water and squeeze out the pulp.
3. Keep a pan on the fire and put coconut oil.Add mustard seeds and little jeera.
4. Let mustard splutter. Add ingh, curry leaves and mix it well.
5. Add cut mangalore cucumber and stir once. Add required water and cook for till they turn soft.

6. Add cooked dal to cooked mangalore cucumber pieces. Add pinch of turmeric. Add methi seeds.
7. Add required salt and tamarind pulp. Mix it nicely and let it cook for 2 minutes.
8. Add home prepared spice powder and stir it slowly and let it mix it well.

9. Let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Shift the ready " Mangalore Cucumber Spicy Curry" to a serving dish. Add cut coriander leaves.

10. Serve with the main dish you have prepared.

Note :

You can use moong dal instead of toor dal.(Optional).
Use of home prepared spice powder is optional. You can use any brand of sambar /rasam powder. The taste differ.
Use of onion and garlic is optional.
Use of any cooking oil is optional.
Putting Mangalore Cucumber pieces in a bowl of water helps to remove the bitterness in the pieces, or the curry might turn as bitter and you will not be able to eat it.
Time : 30 Minutes.
Serves : 2 to 3 
Type :  South Indian curry : Mild Spicy.

Recipe for Home Prepared Spice Powder :

Dry roast 1/4 Teaspoon of methi seeds, 3 tablespoons of coriander seeds, 6 to 7 byadagi red chilly, 1/2 Teaspoon of jeera, 1/2 teaspoon of urid dal, 1/2 teaspoon of channa dal, an inch of cinnamon piece, 2 to 3 tablespoons of copra. (Dried coconut pieces) and handful of curry leaves with little ingh.
Dry roast one by one and let it cool. Dry grind and powder to get home prepared spice powder.